Descriptions

The traceability practices of 48 seafood businesses were assessed as part of an evaluation of nine global seafood value chains (from harvest to retail). The research was conducted through direct interviews and written surveys in order to assess the reasons why traceability systems were used to strengthen business performance. The study was designed to determine which industry, product, or chain characteristics enhanced a seafood business’ ability to generate benefits from traceability practices. This included understanding the impacts that traceability information has on commercial performance and the relationships that exist between individual businesses. Using a value chain classification scheme, none of the nine chains were found to be “fragmented”, two were classified as “cooperative”, five were “coordinated”, and two were “collaborative”. Based on twenty seven benefit categories, collaborative chains generated significantly greater traceability related benefits than other chains. Most benefits were more important to upstream as compared to downstream members of a seafood chain. Benefits included enhanced product quality, reduced costs, and improved risk management. Successful firms exhibited greater willingness to share information and considered traceability research to be of value to their future success. Evidence also suggests that traceability information system costs may be scale dependent and relatively higher for smaller firms. Based on these findings, the research concludes with policy and research recommendations for businesses, governments, and NGO’s.